France > France regions > Aquitaine > Pyrenees-Atlantiques > Biarritz

Biarritz

Biarritz is a popular and lively town on the Atlantic coast in south-west France (in the Atlantic-Pyrenees department of Aquitaine). It has a great deal of appeal - it avoids some of the excess of the French Riviera, and makes an interesting well-placed destination.

Biarritz is a popular and lively town on the Atlantic coast in south-west France (in the Atlantic-Pyrenees department of Aquitaine). It has a great deal of appeal - it avoids some of the excess of the French Riviera, and makes an interesting well-placed destination. Described sometimes as shabby and faded but don’t let this put you off, it is charming and the glimpse at the wealth of days gone by only adds to its charm.

The wealth of Biarritz was founded in the middle ages on whaling, but as early as the 18th century the focus of the town was turning towards the beaches - initially because doctors started recommending the Biarritz seafront as a cure for various ailments. Napoleon famously bathed in the sea here in 1808.

By the middle of the 19th century the reputation of Biarritz as a fashionable destination was firmly established - a popularity that continues to this day especially due to its reputation as surfing capital of France.

There are several beaches in Biarritz, including 'La Grande Plage' - the central beach in the resort. You will probably find that the beaches at Port Vieux and Milady (among others) are less crowded than the Grande Plage. However this beach is superb and is the main appeal of Biarritz. A long sandy beach with the lighthouse on a rocky outcrop, Point St Martin at one end and Pointe Atalaye and the Rocher de la vierge at the other and a few well placed large rocks in the water to add to the interest and beauty of the scene.

In central position on the beach is the casino. A perfect spot to sit on the terrace, sip a glass of wine or have lunch and watch the waves breaking onto the beach. It’s not too expensive either given its prime position. The town rises up behind and lots of old hotels face the sea, and yes they are a bit faded but each is individual with lots of interesting architectural details and many really are beautiful.

The walk along the beach and up around the Pointe Atalaye is one I would be happy to do every day of my life. Up around the point there are lots of little coves, walkways to some of the rocks including the Rocher de la Vierge, with the statue of the Virgin, which has become the symbol of Biarritz. Down below is the Port des Pecheurs with a few lovely little fishing cottages – now restaurants which are great for sea-food, dishes with a Basque influence and tapas. They overlook the tiny little walled marina, home to a few smallish boats and yachts.

The rocks are covered in lots of vegetation whose colours blend beautifully with the blues and greens of the sea below. Down the slopes from the town to the sea yuccas, and agaves grow happily amongst beautiful lush hydrangeas – a combination unlikely to be found in many places as hydrangeas need water and agaves don’t!

As I walked around the cove a group of school children were being taught to surf – is this what they do in school sports lessons around here? – Amazing.

Further round the coast is the Plage de la Cote des Basques, the backdrop to the beach is less beautiful here (more modern apartment blocks) but to the south you can see the mountains of the Pyrenees.

It is for the surfing that many visitors come to Biarritz, based on the good wave conditions along this part of the Atlantic. Various surfing competitions and events are also held that contribute further to the town's surf reputation, such as the annual Biarritz Surf Festival.

Biarritz beach

Note that not all Biarritz beaches allow surfing, some because of the undercurrents and others because of crowds and the risk of injury. If you have never surfed but would like to give it a try, there are training schools that will help you 'find your feet'. The main surfing beaches are the extremely good surfing beaches of Anglet beyond Pointe St Martin.

Up above the beaches is the cathedral/church of St Eugenie, a bit bleak and grey amongst the softer yellower tones of most of the buildings but it looks like it is in the process of being cleaned up. The Place St Eugenie though is another nice spot to sit and relax.

Above the Plage Miramar and the Pointe St Martin is the very impressive Hotel du Palais which was the Villa Eugenie built by Napoleon III for Eugenie who he met in Biarritz.

The town itself has lots of very nice shops and is very pleasant to stroll around.

fishing port

Places to visit in Biarritz except the beach

Although the focus of the town is definitely seaward, Biarritz has various highlights to discover in the town itself. Note - in recent years part of the city has become pedestrianised, helping relieve some of the congestion you might have experienced if you last visited Biarritz several years ago. These include:

- a sprinkling of museums, dedicated to such varied subjects as chocolate, asian art and the ocean. The last will be the most fun with children, and houses many aquariums.

- a couple of churches of some interest (most impressive is the Russian Orthodox domed church)

- a couple of casinos of more interest

- there are various grand 19th century hotels and townhouses to admire as you explore

Biarritz is also very well known as the golf capital of France, and has several very highly regarded golf courses to choose from.

Biarritz: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Biarritz

- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)

Places to visit near Biarritz

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Biarritz.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Biarritz are shown below (if found).

Ainhoa Most beautiful village at 20 km
Anglet town at 4 km
Bayonne Important town at 9 km
Cambo-les-Bains attractive town and gardens at 22 km
Capbreton Atlantic seaside resort at 22 km
Ciboure Atlantic town and resort at 16 km
Espelette chilli village at 20 km
Hendaye Atlantic resort at 27 km
Hondarribia Medieval town in Spain at 29 km
Hossegor Atlantic surfing centre and beach at 24 km
Itxassou pretty village at 24 km
La Rhune Basque mountain at 21 km
Saint Jean de Luz Coastal town and resort at 15 km
Sare Most beautiful village at 19 km

See also Biarritz (version Francais)

Airports near Biarritz

Biarritz airport at 4 km Pau airport at 126 km

Holiday villages and residences at Biarritz

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Haguna: "Exceptional beaches and the birthplace of golf and surfing in France<br/> Residence in the town centre, located near the shopping district<br/> At 400 m from Biarritz Thalassotherapy Institute"

See details

Résidence Maeva Eugénie: "Across from the ocean, overlooking the port<br/> Residence with pool, tennis courts and children's club<br/> Very close to the Ilbarritz training center"

See details

Résidence Maeva Victoria Surf Multivacances: "Facing the main beach at Biarritz<br/> Residence with pool and solarium<br/> Golf, surfing and thalassotherapy nearby"

See details

Résidence Maeva Victoria Surf: "Facing the main beach at Biarritz<br/> Residence with pool and solarium<br/> Golf, surfing and thalassotherapy nearby"

See details

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Haguna: "Exceptional beaches and the birthplace of golf and surfing in France<br/> Residence in the town centre, located near the shopping district<br/> At 400 m from Biarritz Thalassotherapy Institute"

See details

Résidence Maeva Eugénie: "Across from the ocean, overlooking the port<br/> Residence with pool, tennis courts and children's club<br/> Very close to the Ilbarritz training center"

See details

Résidence Maeva Victoria Surf Multivacances: "Facing the main beach at Biarritz<br/> Residence with pool and solarium<br/> Golf, surfing and thalassotherapy nearby"

See details

Résidence Maeva Victoria Surf: "Facing the main beach at Biarritz<br/> Residence with pool and solarium<br/> Golf, surfing and thalassotherapy nearby"

See details

Photos of Biarritz - click a photo to see larger version

See flights to Biarritz airport